An untimely injury for Caitlin Clark likely spells a ratings recession for this year’s WNBA All-Star Game on ESPN.
On Thursday, Clark announced via the Indiana Fever’s social media channels that she would be unable to participate in this weekend’s All-Star Game and 3-Point Contest in Indianapolis.
a message from Caitlin Clark ❤️ pic.twitter.com/zRGZEpqF5R
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 17, 2025
“I am incredibly sad and disappointed to say I can’t participate in the 3-Point Contest or the All-Star Game,” Clark’s statement read. “I have to rest my body. I will still be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for all the action, and I’m looking forward to helping Sandy coach our team to a win.”
Last year, Clark’s controversial snub from the U.S. Olympic Team led to the most-watched WNBA All-Star Game in history. The WNBA All-Stars, which included Clark, played an exhibition against the Olympic squad and won. The game averaged 3.44 million viewers on ABC, more than doubling the game’s previous high of 1.44 million viewers in 2003.
Clark’s on-court absence and the lack of controversy surrounding her non-selection for the Olympic team will likely result in a smaller audience than last year. However, the WNBA has shown its strength as a viewership draw even without Caitlin Clark this season. Several games that Clark did not participate in have drawn over one million viewers. The league’s growth is undeniable.
Given the current trend in WNBA viewership, this year’s All-Star Game is likely to surpass the 2003 game and secure a spot as the second-most watched of all time. Eclipsing last year’s audience, however, seems like a long shot.
About Drew Lerner
Drew Lerner is a staff writer for Awful Announcing and an aspiring cable subscriber. He previously covered sports media for Sports Media Watch. Future beat writer for the Oasis reunion tour.